Joint Simplified Dissolution in Illinois: Requirements and Process

The Joint Simplified Dissolution is the fastest way to end a marriage in Illinois. Both spouses file together, attend a single prove-up hearing, and walk out with a final decree — often in as little as four to six weeks. The trade-off: the eligibility requirements are strict, and failing to meet even one disqualifies you entirely.

Eligibility Requirements (All Must Be Met)

Under 750 ILCS 5/452, you qualify only if every condition is satisfied:

• No minor children — no children born to or adopted by the couple during the marriage, and the wife is not currently pregnant
• Marriage duration under 8 years from the wedding date to the filing date
• No real estate — neither spouse owns any real property (homes, land, condos)
• Total marital property below $50,000 — this includes vehicles, bank accounts, furniture, and other assets accumulated during the marriage
• Combined gross annual income below the statutory threshold — neither spouse's gross income exceeds a set amount, and combined gross income does not exceed the statutory cap
• No maintenance claims — neither spouse is seeking alimony from the other
• Both spouses agree on asset and debt division — a signed Joint Separation Agreement is required
• Irreconcilable differences — both spouses agree the marriage has irretrievably broken down and reconciliation is not possible

Fail one requirement — a shared condo, a child, a marriage that started nine years ago — and you must use the standard uncontested or contested track instead.

How the Process Works

Step 1: Both spouses prepare the paperwork together. Unlike a standard dissolution where one spouse files against the other, the simplified track is a joint filing. You both complete and sign:

• Joint Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
• Joint Separation Agreement (divides all assets and debts)
• Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage

Step 2: E-file through Odyssey. Both spouses submit the documents through Odyssey eFileIL. The filing fee ($300 to $400 depending on county) can be split between both parties. Fee waivers are available for income-eligible filers.

Step 3: Attend the prove-up hearing. Both spouses must appear before the judge (many counties allow Zoom) and testify under oath that they meet all eligibility requirements, that the agreement is voluntary, and that neither seeks maintenance. The judge reviews the Joint Separation Agreement and, if satisfied, enters the final decree on the spot.

What You Cannot Do With a Simplified Dissolution

The simplified track does not address parenting (because children disqualify the case), maintenance, or complex property division. There is no discovery phase, no financial affidavit exchange, and no room for negotiating disputed terms — everything must be agreed upon before filing.

If either spouse changes their mind about any term between filing and the hearing, the simplified petition is dismissed and you start over with a standard dissolution.

When Standard Uncontested Is the Better Path

Most Illinois couples do not qualify for simplified dissolution. The $50,000 combined asset limit alone excludes anyone with meaningful retirement savings, a car worth more than mid-range, or any equity in a home. The no-children requirement eliminates a large share of divorcing couples.

The standard uncontested dissolution has no income cap, no property limit, and no restriction on children. It takes longer (typically 2 to 4 months vs. 4 to 6 weeks), but it handles the cases the simplified track cannot.

Filing Either Way

Whether you qualify for the simplified track or need the standard uncontested path, the Illinois Divorce Filing Process Guide covers both sequences — including the exact Odyssey e-filing steps, document checklists, and prove-up hearing preparation for each track.

See more Illinois guides →